Fuel mixer



Sept. 30 1924.,

3,510,366 .1. c. WHITEMAN FUEL,` MIXER Filed Aug. 2O 1920 2Sheets-Shes?. l

Sept. 30. 1924,` lll .1. c. WHITEMAN FUEL MIXER Filed Aug. 20 '3920 2SheetS-Shee. 2

Patented Sept. 30, i924.,

UNITED STATS PATENT @FFHQE.

JAMES CARLILE WHITEMAN,

OF CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, ASSIGNOR T WHITEMANS SUPURB CARBURETTORCOMPANY LIMITED, OT SYDNEY, NEW

SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA.

FUEL MIXER.

Application led August 20, 1920. Serial No. 404,885.

In the atomization of hydro-carbons in the presence of air for thepurpose of proh vlding an air and fuel mixture as fuel for internalcombustion engines it is highly desirable to thoroughly co-mingle theair and fuel during their passage from the gasoline or other spiritsupply, and it is well recognized that upon efficient vaporization andcomplete absorption of the hydro-carbons by the air supply largelydepends the dryness of the resultant mixture and consequent economicalconsumption and engine power derived. Y

In some types of carburetter, it has been proposed to vaporize Vthe fuelby passing it from a nozzle in spray form and causing it to then travelover foraminous or roughened surfaces under the inuence of suction from-the engine, whereby the hydro-carbonaceous molecules cling to themechanical b supporting surfaces in the path of an induced atmosphericcurrent. The lighter particles of hydro-carbon are evaporated andabsorbed by the air current, the heavier ones moving over ortravellingalong the irregular surfaces, until suflicient thinness or d reductionin density condition they stream.

Theobject of the present invention is to provide a carburetion methodand apparatus for carrying it into efficient practice, wherebyhomogeneous mixture of the fuel and air supply is thoroughly effectedwithout unduly retarding the passage of the ,gases through thecarburetter, and whereby the resultant mixture is so dryy that maximumengine power and economy are obtained.

Briefly the process or method consists in Spraying' the fuel into anatmospheric stream induced by suction, in breaking up the globisobtained in which are absorbed by the air ules of hydrocarbon byforcible impact while in atmospheric suspension in distorting theglobules by elongation caused through retardation of their acceleratedtravel towards the source of suction in expanding the globules tobursting point and 'in repeating these steps until the hydrocarbonaceousglobules are so thin or reduced in density that they become completelyabsorbed by Athe air supply and the resultant omogeneous mixture is sodry as compared with the usual fuel mixtures, that'great economy in fueland increased power 1s obtained.

More specifically the method consists in subjecting particles ofhydro-carbon, whilst in atmospheric suspension and under,` the inlluenceof suction, to forcible impact against a plurality of foraminoussurfaces comprising perforated partitions of baille plates arranged in aseries of chambers each of which successively increases in area incontradistinction to the progressive reduction in the area oftheperforations of each successive partition or baffle plate, wherebythorough co-mingling of the gases during the breaking, distortion andexpansion of the globules is caused-until they are so thin or reduced indensity that complete absorption y the carrying atmosphere obtains and adry homogeneous mixture is'secured. The greater the speed of the enginethe greater are the forces of disruption and the impact of thehydro-carbon particles against the partitions and against each other,and the rier is the mixture passing to the engine. In the apparatusprovided the atmospheric stream induced through the carburetter by thesuction of the engine is automatically regulated according to theloading of the engine, the fuel supply being proportional to andsynchronizing with the air supply. The atmospheric stream and moleculesof hydro-carbon carried thereby pass to an atomizing and gas expansionchamber divided by a plurality of perforated partitions or batHe platesinto a series of progressively enlarged compartments, the perforationsin the partitions or baille plates being arranged in staggeredrelationship and progressively reduced in area as the area of therespective compartments increases. The means employed for controllingthe supply of hydro- Carbon fuel are operated by the air stream orsupply caused by the suction of the engine. The quantity of air and fuelis therefore proportionate at all speeds.

The features of novelty are more particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

Referrin to the drawings which form part of th1s` specification:-

Figure 1 is a part sectional view in vertical section of a carburetteraccording to the invention, .portions being broken away for convenienceof illustration.

Figure 2 is a part sectional perspective detail view showing a deliverytube, jet tube, and distributing tube assembled.

Figure 3 is a part sectional perspective view of an atomizing and gasexpansion chamber provided with an annular heating space.

Figure 4 is a plan of a generating and feed chamber.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the generating and feed chamber. Anaccess plate has been removed and portions have been broken away forconvenience of illustration.

Figure 6 is a perspective View of an inclined shutter and a pivot pinand lever thereof.

Figure 7 is a sectional detail view of a toothed pinionand a stuffingbox encircling the spindle thereof.

The invention includes a float chamber 2 having therein a float 3suitably controlling a fuel duct 4. The duct 4 communicates with a sump5 formed in a base element 6. Provided in the element 6 is a 4pinionrecess 7 above which is a nut recess 8 having around its circumferencean upstanding jointing shoulder 9. The base element 6 has threadedthereon a nut 10 closing the sump 5.

Passing into the base element 6 is the threaded inner end 11 of'astufling box 12 containing suitable packinof 13 compressed by a threadedgland 14. Passing through the stuiiing box 12 and gland 14 is a spindle15 upon the inner end of which is mounted a toothed inion 16accommodated in the recess 7. ounted upon .the outer end of Vthe spindle15 is a suitable control lever 17.

Engaging the toothed pinion 16 are collars 18 carried by the lowerclosed end 19 of a delivery tube 20 having an open upper end. Formed inthe tube 20 are inlet holes or apertures 21 communicating with avertical passageway 22.

Mounted upon and secured by screws or the like to the base element 6 isthe bottom 23 of a generating and feed chamber 24. The bottom 23 isprovided with a jointing recess 25 having therein a jointing ring 26 andaccommodating the jointin shoulder 9 of the base element. Formedtiirough the bottom 23, concentrically with the jointing recess 25, is athreaded hole. Secured by screws or the like to oney side of the cham.

ber 24 is a removable access plate 27. Upstanding from the upper end ofthe chamber 24 is a jointing shoulder 28 around which is a jointingflange 29. Passing through one side of the chamber 24 is an air intakebranch 30 having near its outer end an outflow wall 31.

Threaded into the threaded hole formed in the bottom 23 of the chamber24 is the threaded lower end 32 of a jet tube 33. Carried by the lowerend 32 is a nut 34 accommodated in the` recess 8-of the base element 6.Formed between the jet tube 33 and the delivery tube 2O is an annularfuel space indicated at 35.

Slidably embracing the tube 33 is a distributing tube or sleeve 36having a closed upper end 37. Carried by the upper end 37 is aregulating needle valve having a head 38 provided with a lateral groove39. Below the head 38 is a body portion 40 threaded into the closedupper end 37 of the tube 36. Integral with the body portion 40 is ashank or modulating pin 41. This descends into the open upper end of thedelivery tube 20. Formed in the upper end of the distributing tube 36 isa plurality of exi-t slots 42. Carried by the lower end of the tube orsleeve 36 is a pair of collars 43.

Engaging the collars 43 are opposite pins 44. Each pin is carried by theinner end of a lever 45 the outer end of which is preferably formedintegral with the lower end of an inclined shutter 46l Carried bythelower end of each shutter 46 is a pivot pin 47 extendinglaterally acrossand mounted in the feed chamber 24. The upper end of each shutter 46 isprovided with a gullet 48 whereby the pair of shutters embrace the upperend of the distributing tube or sleeve 36. Carried by each shutter 46 isa stud 49. Encircling each stud 49 is the inner end of an adjustablehelical spring 50. The outer end of each spring 50 is controlled by anadjusting screw 51 carried by the feed chamber 24. The two shutters 46control the passage of an atmospheric stream induced through the chamber24 from the intake branch 30 by t-he suction of the engine. The shuttersvibrate or oscillate according to the running of the engine and' bytheir inclination direct the atmospheric current towards the exit slots42 past which it travels at intensified velocity.

Secured by screws or the like to the {iange 29 of the feed chamber 24 is'the flange 52 of an atomizing and as expansion chamber. The bottom oft. e gas chamber is provided with a jointing recess 53 accommodating thejointing'shoulder 28 of the feed chamber 24. Above the flange 52 is adelivery neck 54 integral with which is an outwardly inclined or flaredwall 55 having ated in the neck 54 of at its upper end an internalcircumferential Shoulder 56 above which is an internal thread 57.

Disposed within the atomizing and gas expansion chamber is a lowerperforated partition 58 above which is an intermediate perforatedpartition or partitions 59. Above the intermediate partitions 59 andresting upon the internal shoulder 56 is an upper perforated partition60. It will be observed (Figure 3) that the perforations 158 in thelower partitions 58 are of larger area than the perforations 159 in theintermediate partitions 59. The perforations are smaller in eachsuccessive partition until, in the upper parti-tion 60, the perforations160 have reached the smallest area. The perforations are disposed instaggered relationship thereby preventing any particle of hydro-carbonhaving a clear passage from the delivery neck 54 to the upper partition60. Uniting the perforated partitions is a tie bolt 6l provided with aretention nut 62. Carried by the tie bolt and disposed between thepartitions 58, 59 and 60 and spacing them apart is a pluralit of tubulardistance pieces 63. rIhe num r of partitions employed may be varied.

Above the atomizing and gas expansion chamber is a removable cap or dome64 having around its lower end an external thread indicated at 65.Passing from the cap or dome 64 is a gas outlet branch 66 forming aninduction port 67. The gas outlet branch 66 is provided with a Hange bywhich it is suitably secured to the manifold of the engine. isposed inthe branch 66 is a spindle 69 carrying a suitable throttle valve 70which may, if desired, be situthe gas chamber. Formed by the neck 54 ofthe gas chamber, between the lower end thereof and the lower perforatedparti-tion 58, is a mixing, breaking and stretching compartment 7l.Formed within the gas chamber, between the lower perforated partition 58and the intermediate perforated partition 59 above it, is amultiplication and expansion compartment 72. A similar compartment isformed between each intermediate perforated partition 59 and thepartition 59 or above it as the case may be. Formed within the cap ordome 64, above the upper perforated partition 60, is a mixture deliverycompartment 73 communicating with the gas outlet branch 66 andcontrolled by the throttle valve 70.

ln the modification shown in Figure 3 the gas expansion chamber may beprovided with a jacket or outer shell 74. Communicating with the annularheating space 75 thus formed around the chamber is an inlet pipe 76 andan outlet pipe 77. rlhe inlet pipe receives hot exhaust ases from theexhaust pipe or silencer of t e engine. The

hot gases may be delivered back to the engine exhaust pipe or silencerby the outlet pipe 77. The jacket 74 and heating space 75 provide asimple means for heating the atomizing and gas expansion chamber.

Wit-h this invention gasoline or other fuel is delivered to the floatchamber 2 the flow of fuel to and from the chamber being controlled bythe float 3 in any ordinary manner. The fuel passes through the duct 4into the sump 5 and through the inlet holes 2l rising in the deliverytube 20. lt also rises in the annular space 35 inside the jet tube 33.The height attained by the spirit depends upon the level of the float 3in the float chamber 2 as is usual in carburetters.

To start an engine equipped with the invention the lever 17 is operatedcausing the pinion 16 to rotate and engage the collars lt of thedelivery tube 2O which is lowered in relation to the needle shank 4l. Anexcess flow of fuel is thus permitted to pass from the tube 2O in orderthat the engine may lreceive the rich mixture necessary for starting.The carburetter now operates automatically'. An air current or stream isinduced by the suction of the engine through the air intake branch 30and passes upwardly beneath the shutters 46 maintaining them openaccording to the suction and therefore .the loading of the engine andagainst the inuence of the helical springs 50. The atmospheric stream isdirected by the pair of inclined shutters towards the restricted spaceformed around and between the upper end of the distributing tube 36 andthe upper ends of Ithe shutters. The velocity of the air as it passesthe exit slots 42 is therefore increased. The distributing tube orsleeve 36 rises or falls according to the movement of the shutters 46,the air and gasoline or other fuel being automatically proportioned. Asthe tube 36 rises or falls upon the jet tube 33, and the shutters 46correspondingly open or close, the slots 42 are opened or are covered bythe upper end of the jet tube 33. The quantity of fuel passing throughthe vertical passageway 22 of the delivery tube 20 may be regulated,according to the size of the engine, by substituting needle valveshaving Shanks 4l of varying sizes and these Shanks may be tapered.Should the carburetter flood or require to be flooded for any reason theoverflow of spirit is retained within the air intake branch 30 by theout-flow Wall 31.

As the vapor from the exit slots 42 is carried upwardly in the airstream induced through the intake branch 30, the particles or globulesof hydro-carbon strike forcibly against the lower perforated partition58. Some of the globules may pass through the perforations in thepartition. These will encounter the intermediate partition 59immediately above the lower partition 58. The perforations in` thepartitions are arranged in irregular or staggered relationship for thispurpose. When the globules strike a partition each is immediately brokenby the force of the impact into a series of globulets. The globuletsstretch, on account of them being in contact with the partition andunder the influence of suction, and elongation continues whilst eachglobulet is searching for an aperture in the partition through which itmay| pass. When an elongated globulet passes through an aperture in apartition it is, on account of the inclination of the Wall 55, carriedrapidly forward in an enlarged compartment by the induced air stream.After passing through a partition and entering a larger compartment thedistorted globulet assumes an approximate sphere and expands. Theoriginal globule has now obviously been reduced to a series of globuletsthe density of each of which has been reduced first through distortionby elongation and secondly by expansion. A globule sufficiently thinnedor reduced will, like a small bubble, eventually burst by frictionalcontact in the air stream, but, on account of the reduction in the sizesof the a ertures in each succeeding partition and t e staggeredrelationship of the apertures, any globule that may pass through anaperture in any partition will encounter a succeeding partition and bebroken into a mass of globulets each of which is in turn elon ated andexpanded and reduced in denslty. Or it will burst in attempting to passthrough an aperture. Close observa. tion and experimentation has shownthat the process or method or carburetion according to the invention ismost eiective as each particle of hydro-carbon is so reduced during itspassage through the atomizing and gas expansion chamber that, when thedelivery compartment 73 is reached, it has become completely absorbed bythe air stream. A dry homogeneous mixture is thereby obtained and passesin this condition to the induction port 67.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is 1. A method of carburetion which consists insubjecting the globules of a hydrocarbon vapor wl'ulst suspended in anatmospheric stream and under the iniiuence of suction to a breakingaction by forcible impact, to elongation by frictional retardation, andto enlargement by natural expansion in a series of inter-communicatingcompartments of progressively increased area, until the hydro-carbonparticles are so reduced in density as to be absorbedby the atmosphericstream., and delivering the dry homogeneous mixture obtained into acompartment of still greater area in direct communication with thesource of suction. .y

2. A method of carburetion which consists in projecting into acompartment a hydrocarbon vapor suspended in an air stream induced bysuction, and subjecting the par.- ticles of hydro-carbon to a breakingaction by forcible impact, an elongating action by friction and anenlarging action by expansion, multiplying the breaking, elongating andenlarging actions by delivering l the gases through a series ofinter-communicating compartments of progressively increas- -ing area,andvsubjectin the gases to heat during the treatment, Wereby a dryhomogeneous mixture is obtained.

8. In a carburetter, an atomizing and gas expansion chamber divided intoa plurality of inter-communicating compartments each successively ofincreased transverse dimension while of uniform vertical dimension by aseries of superimposed or spaced perforated partitions,.the perforationsof apertures of said partitions gradually reducing in area from one endof said chamber to the other, for the purpose specied.

4. In a carburetter, an atomizing and gas expansion chamber havingtherein a plurality of super-imposed perforated partitions, the area ofeach partition being eater than that of the partition preceding 1twhilst the apertures in each partition are of less area than thoseformed in the partition preceding it and are staggered in relationthereto.

5. In a carburetter, a'n atomizing and gas expansion chamber consistinin an outwardly inclined or ared wal a removable cap or dome carried bythe chamber above the wall, a gas outlet branch communicating with thecap or dome, and a plurality of super-imposed perforated partitionsdisposed within the chamber and forming therein a series ofsuper-imposed compartments inter-communicating with each other throughthe apertures in the partitions, the area of each partition being'greater than the area of that precedi it and the perforations in eachpartition eing of less area than those in the partition preceding it andbeing staggered in relation thereto.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

` JAMES CARLILE WHITEMAN.

Witness:

Gnou. MoCLAs'rNER.

